I would say that's a very bleak view of the American people and indeed humans in general.

I would also think that democracy as an ideal is FAR STRONGER a force than politicians on the take can hope to exploit for more than a limited period of time.

However i do agree that the obsession in the US that only US-style administration is "true" democracy is actually the greatest hindrance for the complete and unequivocal implentation of deomocratic ideals.

Democracy requires introspection, self-evaluation and a complete absence of dogma.